June 5, 2014The cities of Castlegar, Rossland and Trail can be traced on a 90 kilometre loop that follows the Columbia River. The Brilliant Suspension Bridge and Doukhobour Discovery Centre are located in Castlegar.

Nearby Rossland is home to Red Mountain, and Trail’s iconic businesses include the historic Trail Memorial Centre at the world’s largest zinc and lead smelting facility, the Teck-Cominco Lead-Zinc Smelter.

Drivers should allow at least 1.5 hours for this trip, plus time for sight-seeing stops.
http://www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/things_to_do/recreational_activities/west_kootenay_corridor_loop

June 5, 2014The granddaddy circle tour of them all, the International Selkirk Loop is a scenic 450 kilometre trip that travels through the West Kootenays, Idaho, and Washington State. The trip takes you through dozens of colourful towns and spectacular venues for hiking, dining and entertainment. It also encircles the Southern Selkirk Mountains—prime habitat for elk, caribou, black bear and eagles.

Don’t forget your camera to capture breathtaking scenery of crystal clear rivers and snow-capped peaks. Caribou, deer and other wildlife are also easy to come by and eagles can often be spotted gliding in the distance. There are many places to stop off for a picnic or bushwalk and communities such as Nelson and Sandpoint are worth a look in.

Named as one of the top 10 scenic drives in the Northern Rockies, the International Selkirk Loop is well worth the drive. http://www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/things_to_do/recreational_activities/international_selkirk_loop

June 4, 2014If your interests include art and the animal kingdom, the 240 kilometre (137 mile) trip around Kootenay Lake’s southern end and the Salmo-Creston Pass is a must do. On your way to the Kootenay Ferry stop in at Crawford Bay explore the incredible artisans community which produces artworks from clay, fabric, ironwork and even brooms.

The twisting highway route leads through Creston and the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area; a 17,000-acre reserve that’s home to 370 species. The trip up and over the Salmo Creston Pass takes you through the high country home of the mountain caribou, big horn sheep, black bear and grizzly. http://www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/things_to_do/recreational_activities/east_shore_loop

Great for history lovers and sight seers alike, the Silvery Slocan trip winds along some of the most beautiful lakeside in British Columbia. Retracing the glory days of the region's mining boom, the route follows the western shores of Kootenay Lake, around Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park and down the east shore of Slocan Lake.

Visitors can stop in at the iconic Ainsworth Hot springs for a relaxing dip before visiting the Cody Caves for a guided tour of the underground geology. The picturesque town of Kaslo is also a short trip up the road and sure to keep sightseers, historians and artisans entertained.

Approximately 43 kilometres west of Kaslo, you can follow the signs to the ghost town of Sandon. Here you can tour the Sandon Museum, the still functioning powerhouse and abandoned remnants of mining-era buildings. As visitors pull into New Denver, the Silvery Slocan Museum is worthy of a visit to learn of the region’s past, and the nearby Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Travellers should allow at least three hours for driving, plus time for stops to explore the different sites that this region has to offer. http://www.nelsonkootenaylake.com/things_to_do/recreational_activities/silvery_slocan_valley_loop